When Ilze Thielmann learned of the steady stream of refugees and asylum seekers entering New York City, she felt compelled to get involved and help. This led her to connect with, volunteer for, and ultimately take over leadership of an organization called Team TLC. Here, Ilze and her colleagues greet asylum seekers – many of whom have been sent to New York from the state of Texas – and help them find food, clothing, and shelter. The organization has grown to now have more than 1,400 names on its active roster of volunteers and they have assisted more than 60,000 asylum seekers as they arrived at New York’s Port Authority. Over time, the organization expanded to include “The Little Shop of Kindness,” designed to be a store loaded with clothing and accessories offered free of charge to immigrant customers. And today, Team TLC is also offering legal and other professional services to their constituents. The story that Ilze tells in this Blue Sky conversation is fascinating and her optimistic outlook and desire to serve others is an inspiration.
Links:
Learn more about Team TLC: https://www.ttlcnyc.org
